In late August I was at a horse show for 14 days. I am going to try not to bog down in details.
Here it is in a nutshel.

I was running on the fairgrounds in the early morning when from nowhere I was knocked to the ground. It truely is amazing what can happen in a breif moment.

I always run away from home with my 5 yr old boxer, Ava. She was off leash and off in the distance. The guy just came at me full force and my breath was completely gone when we hit the pavement.

The very next instance Ava was first on top of the man, then had a grip of his arm and then his throat. the man screamed at first but not when Ava latched to his throat.

Fast forwad... I just had road rash and a concusion, Ava was two cm from a major artery and possible death for my attacker.

We are now slightly over a month post attack and my dog is depressed. She is quiet, wants to sleep with us, does not play with the shepherd and avoids visitors to the barn.

ALL COMPLETELY OUT OF HER NORMAL BEHAVIOR.
We have taken her to the chiropractor several times (which she needed). Her routine vet gave her a once over.

What do I do? Force life as usual? I am tiered of running at home on the treadmill. If I try to leave her home and go for a run she has a panic attack.

Do I kick her out of our bed? I do not mind but post attack she always slept in the den on her bed or the coach?

Michelle,

I am so sorry that you went through such an awful experience.
I am also so sorry to hear that Ava is experiencing what does seem to be post tramatic stress. I am no expert though and I have no idea what can be done. It does sound serious enough that it might warrant someone that knows about dog psychology.
Have you tried running with her just close by your house and keep it short to gain her confidence?
It does sound like the experience has rattled her confidence.
I am very interested in what others have to say about this.
I am sorry that I am not much help, but I am sorry this happened to you both.
Sincerely,
Joyce

This isn't ment to be mean in any way but I'm willing to bet the major bit of change isn't in the dog but rather in you. Dogs are masters of reading body language and generally don't hold on as long as people do. Odds are there is something about your behavior which has very likely changed after this event which is rubbing off on your dog.

My thought is to go running, on a leash at first and when you're both comfortable off leash.

Sounds like you have a great dog.

Melissa

I'd wonder if the dog wasn't in pain, first.

For a dog to change SO much, I would blame a health problem before an "emotional" one.
In all truth, from a dog's perspective, this event should not have been terribly traumatic. If the dog was not severely injured or persued by the attacker, it shouldn't cause this dramatic of a change, IMO.

I would recommend a thorough vet check up, and after that (please don't take offense), some short-term counseling for yourself.
It's best to address traumatic experiences as soon after they occur as possible. Dealt with early, an event can have absolutely no effect on the rest of your life.
Left to fester, you could find yourself many years from now, suddenly suffering from PTSD (the onset of which, by definition, does not occur for at least 6 months post-trauma.)

Michelle, I'm so sorry to hear about this...
Please, consider some counseling for yourself.

Has your routine been altered significantly since this happened?
If you can, I would try to adhere as closely as possible to your pre-attack routine, which would include having the dog sleep wherever she did before this happened.

Good luck and keep us updated on the progress...

That is truly amazing. Did they catch the guy? I hope Ava's ok.

I'm with you on the "amazing what can happen in a brief moment" Entire lives changed.

I agree with what has been said that your dog is feeding off subtle changes in your behaviour/attitudes. I agree on a full vet work up to rule out any health issues.

Perhaps tethering her to you and walking her through normal routines will aid her too. (IE: visitors at the barn, etc) Also, perhaps crating for a while to get her out of your bed. If she is doing this uninvited...but then you succomb, or even if you've invited her up. Beds are comfy. It is normal (IMO) for you to want to have her close to you (esp. at night).

I'd strive to get back into your normal routine asap. If you need help with that, so be it...that is ok if you seek counseling for a bit to help you keep things in perspective..., etc. (if you haven't done so already). I agree with Alyssa on that one...the sooner you truly work thru what happened, and how honestly it has affected you, the more likely it will not debilitate you (or your dog) later. You may even come out stronger for it...

It just occured to me, perhaps you have mixed feelings about her attacking? Why the PTS? She did you right, IMO.

Why is she running at home on the treadmill? Or why is it that you will go for a run and she will be at home and have a panic attack? I don't understand why she is not going running with you. ?

It just occured to me, perhaps you have mixed feelings about her attacking? Why the PTS? She did you right, IMO.

I think the OP meant post traumatic stress, not put to sleep.

 Quote: Melissa Hau

It just occured to me, perhaps you have mixed feelings about her attacking? Why the PTS? She did you right, IMO.

I think the OP meant post traumatic stress, not put to sleep.

Ah. Brain, engage.(ed)

LOL Michelle, you gave me a chuckle.
"Could this be Put to Sleep in a dog,and how do I help??? Gotta love that thread title.